Module 2 - Judaism Flashcards
Moses Maimondes family life summarised
Born 1138CE in Cordoba Spain, left Spain with family when capture of Cordoba occurred, settled in Fez Morocco 1160CE. Became an expert in astronomy/medicine. All left Morocco for Egypt 1165CE.
Moses Maimondes Personal achievements:
Completed ‘Commentary on the Mishnah 1168CE
Appointed Chief Rabbi of Egyptian Jewry 1177CE
Completed Mishneh Torah 1180CE
Completed the Moreh Nevuchim/Guide for Perplexed 1190CE
Passed away, resting place at holy place of Tiberia in Israel 1204 CE
Many books burned from controversy even to today.
13 Articles of Faith
Ultimate summary of basic tenets of Judaism, attempt to put true concepts of God and faith as tools to avoid error. In the past, by summarising core tenets, he ensured Jews understood their faith and God. Ongoing now, included in every Jewish prayer book/services and recited (Yigdal: let God be exalted) as liturgical hymn at friday conclusion or festival services to clarify core beliefs.
13 Articles of Faith - Quote: Commentary on the Mishnah
Referred to the 13 articles as “the fundamental truths of our religion and its very foundations”
Mishneh Torah
First proper code of Halachah/Jewish law that drew from earlier sources; Mishnah, Talmud & Tosefta. In the past, arranged law/precepts for easy access to the Jewish world for everyday understanding on how to behave in situations, divided commandments to 14 groups. Ongoing, changed landscape of halachic study/practice with easy access of Torah to Jews as compendium of legal info on basic understanding of Torah’s teachings.
Mishneh Torah - Quote: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
“It gathers all of Jewish law in a concise and clear fashion”
Guide for the Perplexed/Moreh Nevuchim
Aimed to rationalise the philosophy of Judaism to save it from becoming irrelevant, he resolved philosophical concerns/contradictions to reinforce adherents faith in Judaism. In the past, reconciled Aristotellian philosophy with Hebrew bible theology where many questioned the relations between Greek philosophy and Jewish faith to show the basis of rational thought, some communities limited study or banned as its controversial. Ongoing, nearly all philosophical work for remaining Middle Ages cited/commented/criticised Maimonides views.
How ethics guide adherents daily
Decision making.
Evaluate adherents morality
Assist in acting on their decisions
Aids to bringing social transformation
Allow social cohesion
Tikkun Olam/Repair of the World
Jewish adherents called to work on the environmental ethics of social justice originating from the Midrash Kohelet Rabbah 1. It’s an act of social responsibility connected to human responsibility to fix the wrong in the world.
Tikkun Olam - How it shows problems and solutions
Waste disposal/recycling shows environmental fragility and limit to world resources. Jews believe performing mitzvot rituals (good deeds, commandments, religious obligations) is a part of Tikkun to help perfect the world.
Tikkun Olam - Evidence of how teaching express ethical conduct of adherents
Noah project; UK based environmental organisation to raise awareness of environmental issues in Jewish community by education, celebrating Jewish festivals and action.
Community awareness of waste pollution.
Tikkun Olam - Quote: Deuteronomy 20:19
“See to it that you do not spoil and Destroy My World; for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it”
Tikkun Olam/Bal Tashchit - Quote: Babylonian Talmud-Shabbat 67b
“Those who burn fuel more than necessary violate a mandate.”
Bal Tashchit/Do not destroy or waste
Adherents are called to not destroy the world, it was linked to damage of fruit trees, now extended to all waste of resources. Fundamental law underpins teaching of Jewish tradition on the environment; spurred from Torah & Tanakh. Teaches used to prohibit careless destruction/exploitation of resources. Adherents must be mindful of sustainability in purchases to not be wasteful.
Bal Tashchit - Issues it brings up
Sustainability is an issue with the environment; deforestation and excessive consumption violate Bal, where other options exist.
Bal Tashchit - Quote: Deuteronomy 20:19
“You shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them”
Bal Tashchit - Evidence of teaching expressed by adherents
B’NAI B’RITH; Environment group since 1997, Australian organisation that educates Jews on environmental concerns and sustainability. Engaged in tree planting, producing calico bags to reduce plastic and promote environmental projects in Jewish schools.
Describe Marriage
Believed at birth, the soul separates to 2 pieces, through ‘union of hetero people sanctified by God’ (Kiddushin), the soul reconnects. Contributes to growth/success of the Jewish community (it’s passed by generations). It should be sought after adolescence (Bat Mitzvah)
Describe Post Marriage
Males are obligated to grant 1 year of ‘happiness’ to his wife after marriage (Deuteronomy 24:5). God acts as a silent 3rd partner. Family is the basic social unit of Judaism, Shalom Bayit (Peace in the home). Ultimately, husband and wife ‘became one flesh’ (Genesis 2:24).
Marriage - Quote: Positive Mitzvot
“Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) goal of judaism procreation, by Talmudic teaching, fulfilled when a means bears a son and daughter, mirrors Adam and Eve.
Marriage - Aufruf/Aliyah (going up)
Prior to the wedding, the groom and bride read Torah on Shabbat, receiving a community blessing, tradition from King Solomon. Some communities wish the couple a sweet life by showering them in sweets, highlighting the importance of God’s word.
Marriage - Mikvah
Purpose of immersion from it is to spiritually purify the bride for marriage, upholding dignity, preserving the covenant and fulfilling commandments. The ritual bath ensures purity before marriage, with couple refraining contact during the menstrual cycle.
Marriage - Fasting
Couple fast until wedding ceremony - symbolic act of atonement, entering marriage in pure, sinless state. Ritual serves as a reminder that besides marriage, they leave sins behind to embark on a new life together.
Marriage - Fletubah
Jewish marriage contract signed in front of witnesses outlining marital responsibilities. Orthodox tradition; loss can impact marriage; in progressive ceremonies, symbolises sacred covenant between God and couple, dates to 536 BCE.
Marriage - Bedeken
Veil symbolises modesty and prioritising soul over appearance, origin in the biblical story of Jacob and Leah in Torah (Genesis 29:16).
Marriage - Chuppah
Symbolises God’s presence rooted in 2500 yr tradition, represents married couple’s hospitality and community inclusion. Serving as a tangible reminder of covenant, also signifies creation of a welcoming home for all, with open sides inviting everyone to share in celebration.
Marriage - Encircling
Ritual rooted in biblical symbolism, signifies protection and completeness within shared home space. Orthodox tradition, the wife circles husband seven times, symbolically creating a protective barrier and entering the core of his soul, embodying love, beauty and family loyalty.
Marriage - Drinking wine and kiddush cup
Jewish tradition, wine symbolises joy/happiness, relax inhibitions and allow the soul to shine. Talmud states “wine gladdens the heart” and is integral to rituals like betrothal blessing and observance of Shabbat.
Marriage - Ring
Ring devoid of fancy stones represents universal accessibility of marriage, showing its not exclusive to wealth. Symbolises couples’ connection with each other and God, representing reciprocal love as the groom places it on the bride’s index finger to sanctify union to Jewish tradition.
Marriage - Sheva B’rachot (Seven blessings)
‘Seven Blessings’ are recited at weddings to express gratitude for the wind, couple and the community, emphasising divine, creative and sacred nature of marriage. The blessings praising God’s omnipotence recited by Rabbi or individual chosen by families involved.
Marriage - Breaking the Glass
Shattered glass at Jewish wedding symbolises life’s imperfections, recalling destruction of Jewish temples, marking the end of the ceremony. The Act serves as a reminder for couples to cherish happy moments, acknowledging how life, like the broken world, is not always joyous.
Marriage - Yichud
Newlyweds share a private breakfast ceremony before going to a secluded room accompanied by witnesses. The intimate moment precedes a celebratory banquet with wedding guests, emphasising the significance of private time together.
Marriage - Tallit
Traditionally for women to give her husband a gift of a prayer shawl on wedding day.
Marriage - Significance for individuals and community
Marriage for adherents is not only an individual pursuit of love and companionship but fulfils religious duty by procreating and building the Jewish community. It serves as a means of connecting to tradition through rituals, emphasising the contractual nature of the relationship while strengthening communal bonds and reminding both the couple and community of the sacred covenant with God.
Difference between the Tanakh and the Torah
The Torah holds the 613 Mitzvot plus the first five books of the Tanakh.
The Tanakh alone is the full Hebrew bible without the 613 Mitzvot.
